Andre Ward's early start to 2013 has been delayed after he was forced to postpone his super-middleweight title bout with Kelly Pavlik due to injury.

Ward was set to defend his unified titles against former middleweight champion Pavlik on January 26 in Los Angeles. But a shoulder problem has prompted a postponement.

Ward wrote on Twitter: "Thanks for the well wishes. Minor setback. Will be back in the ring shortly. God bless."

The news will not be welcomed by Carl Froch, who hopes to rematch Ward at some stage in 2013. The American outclassed Froch in their first encounter but Froch has always maintained his preparation was far from ideal for the bout.

No new date has been named for the Ward v Pavlik showdown, although it is expected that they will now aim for March or April.